Kentlake High School Teacher Michael Angelidis was announced this week as the 2018 Kent School District Teacher of the Year.
Here’s more info direct from the district:
Michael Angelidis is the #TeamKSD415 2018 Teacher of the Year! Find out how this passionate @Kentlake415 math educator multiplies student engagement and opportunity at https://t.co/eFJhcFDm63. #KSDcommunity #KSDequity pic.twitter.com/dUT35ws8mE
— Kent School District (@KentSchools415) March 8, 2018
Early one February morning, the Kentlake High School Cascade Room erupted in applause as Falcon educators rose to their feet when Michael Angelidis was announced the 2018 Kent School District Teacher of the Year. Through algebra, calculus, and compassion, he teaches problem solving and critical thinking empowering students to be successful in career, college, and life.
“He’s more than a great teacher; he is an amazing teacher,” shared student Alec Johnson. “He connects with students personally showing interest in their lives, creates a sense of community in the classroom, and demonstrates leadership in and outside the classroom walls.”
When Mr. Angelidis accepted the award, he first spoke of the many other talented, dedicated Kentlake teachers more deserving of the honor and expressed sincere gratitude for the recognition. While his humility, character, and passion allow him to lead by example, it is his flexibility, deep understanding of mathematics, and compassion as an instructor that have impacted students the most.
“He can inspire a classroom of students – any age, any content area, any demographic,” said Principal Heidi Maurer. “His belief in each student’s capacity to succeed is clear in every interaction. His expectations for all students are very high and each student meets the expectations with the scaffolding and support he provides. He operates from a growth mindset with his students and instills in them the confidence they need to be successful.”
Mr. Angelidis builds rapport with students by getting to know them as individuals. This allows him to create a comfortable environment where students become co-owners of their education and their unique learning needs are met.
“I meet students where they are,” explained Mr. Angelidis. “I create a place where students can be themselves. Mathematics can be challenging, so it’s important to create a comfortable environment where [students] own their learning as well as give them permission and opportunities to safely make mistakes. I believe everyone can be a successful math student and it’s my responsibly to find ways to help achieve that goal.”
Alec is one of many students who proves the approach works. “During the first quarter, I was not motivated to do homework and it reflected on my test scores,” recalled Alec. “Mr. Angelidis was constantly telling me I should do my homework if I wanted to be successful in this class. Eventually, I started doing my assignments because I didn’t want to let him down. After many mornings of coming into class early, I now have a B in the class which I feel I would have never earned without his help and encouragement.”
Before coming to Kentlake in 2016, Mr. Angelidis taught at Kentwood High School from 2006 to 2012. When he’s not engaging students or inspiring fellow educators and administrators, Mr. Angelidis serves children around the greater Seattle area and in Ethiopia as a founding member of the Global Basketball Club and Open Hearts, Big Dreams non-profit organizations.
“I owe it to my students to create opportunities to find their voice, create their dream, and develop a vision of possibilities for their futures,” concluded Mr. Angelidis. “My students continue to teach and inspire me as I see them achieve success they didn’t think possible as they create and pursue their dreams and as they begin to use the skills they developed to solve some of the challenges in their communities.”
Congratulations, Michael Angelidis!
So glad to read about this teacher and that he “meets students where they are” and gets to know them individually! I loved this article and appreciate you sharing good news.